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Leslie Wylie
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How to Watch the Blenheim Live Stream

By on Sep 16, 2021 10:30 am -

Screenshot via H&C TV.

Had your morning coffee and ready to catch up on what’s happening at Blenheim Palace International?

First things first, be sure to keep it locked on EN as Catherine Austen will be sending us live reports from the event.

There’s also a live stream available to H&C+ members, who’ll be able to tune in to watch all of the CCI4* action from the CCI4* from September 15-19. Coverage includes the trot ups, dressage, cross country and showjumping. Also, H&C will be filming and streaming the After Hours Show, organized by the Jockey Club.

There are three levels of H&C+ membership, which starts at $9.99/month with the option to cancel at any time. The annual plan ($99.99/year) essentially gives you two months free, and the Gold Annual ($249.99/year) includes access to on-demand coverage of previous events including the Chedington Bicton Park 5*, USEA American Eventing Championships, Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field. Other perks of becoming an H&C+ member include access to masterclasses and other educational programming.

You can view the schedule and watch live here.

Blenheim Palace International CCI4*-L/CCI4*-S (Oxfordshire, UK): [Website] [Entries] [Live Scores & Ride Times] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

 

Volunteer Nation: 12 Events That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Sep 16, 2021 9:00 am -

The 2021 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover is just around the corner, to be held Oct. 12 – 17 at the Kentucky Horse Park. And they are looking for volunteers! There are plenty of no-experience-required positions open, as well as a few show-skilled “authoritative” roles such as schooling attendants, a dressage steward and a prize coordinator.

All interested volunteers can sign up through our volunteer portal here. Volunteers receive a t-shirt, hat, lunch and ample snacks/drinks, a discount at the RRP Store at the Makeover, and undying gratitude for helping RPP put on this year’s historic “Mega-Makeover”!

As for USEA and schooling horse trials, there are many opportunities to be had as well. As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

USEA Events

Flying Cross Horse Trials – September 14th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

Meadowcreek Park HT – The Fall Social Event – September 17th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

Stone Gate Farm Horse Trials – September 11th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

Aspen Farms Horse Trials –  September 15th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

Otter Creek Farm Fall Horse Trial – September 17th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

The Fall Event at Skyline 2021 and Area IX Championships – September 16th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

GMHA September Horse Trials & 2021 Area 1 Championships – September 17th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

Other Events

Timberland CDE & CT – September 17th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

Belmore Derbies 2021 – May 21st, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

2021 MDHT September Starter Horse Trial – September 17th, 2021 to September 19th, 2021

Shawan Downs XC Jump Clean-Up – September 12th, 2021 to September 22nd, 2021

Stone Gate Farm Jumper Show & Derbies – April 18th, 2021 to September 24th, 2021

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 6 Lovely Young ISH Geldings

By on Sep 10, 2021 1:00 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

This week we’re spotlighting six Irish Sport Horse geldings, all of them between the ages of four and six, all professionally produced and ready for your custom finishing. Come and get ’em!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Talented, imported gelding

Ozzie is a talented 4 year old gelding recently imported from Ireland. Standing at 16.1h, he has a lovely disposition and exceptional gaits. He has been carefully produced in a professional program. Ozzie would suit anyone looking to develop a quality horse for the top levels of the sport. He has the talent for a professional while still having the temperament for an amateur rider. He is is exceptionally quick to learn.

Royale High Silver, New Import!!! Ricardo Z line

This lovely 5 yr old has all the bloodlines to make a top eventer. Sired by Ricardo Royale, grand sire Ricardo Z. He is a registered Irish sporthorse measuring 16.1 1/2 . He has hunted in Ireland and very brave to the fences. He is XC schooling novice/training level. He is suitable for any level rider as he is a true gentleman, same horse at home as he is at the shows. Get him while his price is low, he will begin recognized Eventing soon and price tag will increase.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

2 Lovely 4-year-old Imported Irish Sport Horse Geldings by Future Trend

Athletic, Elastic, and Easy to Ride. 5* Prospects with that would also suit a Junior or Amateur at the Lower Levels.

Excel Star Future Hero – Bay, 16.1h, Winner at Novice, Ready for Training in the Fall, Qualified for Young Event Horse Championships.

Excel Star American Pie – Chestnut, 16.2h, Horse showed and schooled cross country in Ireland, Schooling cross country in the US and Ready to Start Competing

Fully vetted with over 45+ xrays, more information and others available on ExcelStarSportHorses.com

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Top Quality 5 YO Irish Sport Horse

Global Hype – “Hype” is a young athletic gelding that is an absolute blast to ride with wonderful breeding. Hype gives a great feeling under saddle with incredible big movement as this 5 year old is already 17 hands tall! He is brave with anything you put in front of him. His large gaits are matched with his kind, forgiving attitude making him a horse for the future. Easy to navigate around a course. Hype is ready to step into the show ring with his next partner!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Top Quality 6 YO Irish Sport Horse

Spotted Chap – “Chappy” known for his spots is sure to get you noticed in the show ring! He is a very talented careful horse with the ability for the top level of sport. His incredible movement matched with his sweet nature has secured a special place in my heart. He has successfully competed through training level eventing and has plenty of potential to do more. Chappy is a blood type that would best suit a professional, or experienced YR/AA in a program. Could continue in eventing, jumpers, or dressage.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and not confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

#EventerProblems Vol. 275 from Ecovet: Horse Show Dogs Vs. Dog Show Dogs

By on Sep 10, 2021 11:30 am -

There were two types of dogs at the Kentucky Horse Park last weekend. The eventers’ dogs, easily identified by their devil-may-care “I may or may not have just eaten horse manure” grins, adventurous spirits and general disregard for personal hygiene.

And then … there were the dogs competing in the Bluegrass Classic Dog Show, which was taking place across the street from the American Eventing Championships in the Alltech Arena.

A few of them did, however, have something in common with our horses.

Pretty cool!

Looking for a proper #EventerSolution? Look no further than Ecovet!

Thursday Video: Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight Remix

By on Sep 9, 2021 5:47 pm -

Oh wait, are you telling me that you DIDN’T set your alarm for the butt-crack of pre-dawn last Saturday to watch Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight demolish cross country at the Chedington Bicton Park Horse Trials five-star? The ONLY British five-star in two years?

You are forgiven. It was really bloody early, and you’d had a long week. Here’s the replay from Harvey Wetdog, with love. Recap all of EN’s Bicton coverage here.

Volunteer Nation: Eight Events That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Sep 9, 2021 1:06 pm -

Th lead photo of this week’s edition of “Volunteer Nation” … I have no words. If you missed volunteering at Carolina Horse Park’s Five Points H.T., its September War Horse Series is still in need of a few good volunteers! Positions include event prep, dressage steward, jump judge and event takedown. Click here for more info.

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Here are eight events that could use a helping hand this weekend:

USEA Events

CDCTA Fall Horse Trials (September 11th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

Tryon Fall Horse Trials (September 11th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

Other Events

September Schooling Dressage (September 8th, 2021)

USEF/USDF “Fall Frenzy” Dressage (September 9th, 2021)

Dunnabeck Mini Event (September 4th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

Pine Hill GHCTA Schooling Horse Trials (September 11th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

Jackpot Schooling Show (September 10th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

September War Horse Event Series (September 8th, 2021 to September 13th, 2021)

Go Eventing Volunteers. Go Eventing!

Tuesday Video: Checking in on Kizzy and Ettie

By on Sep 7, 2021 5:00 pm -

We here at EN have been following “Kizzy & Etties Pony Adventures” on Facebook and Instagram since these two British sisters were knee-high to a grasshopper, which is to say roundabout since Kizzy had just turned 5 and Ettie was 2. Time flies when you’re having fun, and now they’re — gasp — 7 and 5!

As the children of avid fox hunters, their horse-girl gutsiness and velcro-bummed stick-to-the-saddle skillsets are going stronger than ever. Here are a few recent videos:

Lord help us all if these young ladies ever take up eventing — what’s the minimum age to contest a five-star?

Go Kizzy and Ettie. Go Eventing!

Ireland & Switzerland Name Squads for FEI Eventing European Championships

By on Sep 7, 2021 9:00 am -

Two more teams have been confirmed for the 2021 European Eventing Championships, set to take place in Avenches, Switzerland, from September 23-26: Ireland and Switzerland have released announcements. Great Britain, Germany and The Netherlands‘ squads have already been announced. Additionally, Ireland named its squad for the Aachen Nations Cup CCIO4*-S, which begins on Friday, September 17.

Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua (IRL) at the 2018 WEG in Tryon. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

IRELAND

The Irish squad for Aachen Nations Cup is as follows:

  • Cathal Daniels with Rioghan Rua (ISH) – owned by Margaret and Frank Kinsella
  • Alex Donohoe with Kilcandra Bonnie Reward (ISH) – owned by Daphne Ladley
  • Joseph Murphy with Calmaro – owned by Claire & Charlie Mayne, Joseph Murphy and Annette O’Callaghan
  • Elizabeth Power with Azure (ISH) – owned by Elizabeth Power
  • Sam Watson with Ballybolger Talisman (ISH) – owned by Julia Watson and Sam Watson

The Irish squad for the FEI Eventing European Championships is as follows:

  • Clare Abbott with Jewelent (ISH) – owned by – Catherine Abbott, Barbra Allen and Lisa Rosbothm
  • Cathal Daniels with LEB Lias Jewel (ISH) – owned by Jo Breheny
  • Padraig McCarthy with Leonidas II – owned by – Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattell and Padraig McCarthy or Fallulah – owned by Amanda Boyle, Nicholas Boyle, Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattell and Padraig McCarthy
  • Joseph Murphy with Cesar V – owned by The Way Forward Syndicate
  • Fred Scala with Everon Vivendi (ISH) – owned by Emilio & Fred Scala
  • Steven Smith with Galwaybay Echo (ISH) – owned by June Burgess

Speaking ahead of these two important fixtures, Irish Eventing team manager Sally Corscadden said:

“In an Olympic year, it is very positive for Irish Eventing to field teams to compete at both the prestigious Aachen Nations Cup and the Senior Europeans Championships in Avenches, Switzerland. After the loss of so many top events and restrictions in travel over the past year, these are both great competitions for our athletes to gain valuable international experience at the highest level.

“The European team has a mix of experienced and first time athletes. Along with Cathal Daniels, it is great to have Padraig McCarthy, Joseph Murphy and Clare Abbott back at a Championship, and to give Fred Scala and Steven Smith their first caps. On their day, all these combinations can deliver strong competitive performances. From the six travelling combinations, four will be selected to represent Ireland as a team and the two remaining athletes will compete as individuals.

“Aachen is a Nations Cup like no other, with a real Championship feel. The most experienced combination is Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua, Joseph, Sam and Esib [Elizabeth Power] are very experienced but are on up-and-coming horses, it will be great exposure for them.

“In particular, I would like to thank the owners of these horses, who invest so much in our sport and without who it would not be possible for us to compete on the world stage.”

[Eventing Ireland]

Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH (SUI) at the 2018 WEG in Tryon. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

SWITZERLAND

For the first time since 1983, the European Championships are taking place in Switzerland. The Eventing Selection Commission of the Swiss Equestrian Sports Federation FSSE announced the following squad:

  • Eveline Bodenmüller, Maur (ZH), avec Violine de la Brasserie CH Owners : Mathias Bodenmüller, Christian Kron
  • Beat Danner, Heiligkreuz-Mels (SG), avec London Blue CH   Owner: Beat Danner
  • Robin Godel, Dompierre (FR), avec Grandeur de Lully CH  Owner: Jean-Jacques Fünfschilling
  • Patrick Rüegg, Altwis (LU), avec Fifty Fifty V  Owner: Angela Häberli
  • Felix Vogg, avec Cartania II   Owner : Felix Vogg, Phoenix Eventing S.à.r.l.

Team Manager Dominik Burger says that “The Tokyo Olympics were not an easy time, but now you have to get up, move on and keep fighting. To participate in the European Championship in our own country and this so soon after the Olympic Games — it is a challenge, but also an opportunity. We have an excellent team and we will do everything we can to offer the public very good sport and the best possible result per team.”

In addition to the team manager, the riders will be accompanied by Antonia Müller, team veterinarian, and mentored by Cross coach Andrew Nicholson and Jumping coach Lesley McNaught.

[Swiss Equestrian Sports Federation]

Big Cheers All Around for AEC BN Master Amateur Cross Country Leaders Penny Welsch & Mr. Poppers

By on Sep 4, 2021 6:43 pm -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. We want to share the joy of eventing this week, so we invite you to nominate an AEC rider for our “Kentucky Performance of the Week” contest, happening now in partnership with Kentucky Performance Products. Learn more here.

Andrea Davidson congratulates Penny Welsch on an awesome cross country ride with Mr. Poppers. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Nobody had a more enthusiastic fan club on cross country today at the USEA American Eventing Championships than Penny Welsch and Mr. Poppers, who’ll maintain their lead in the Beginner Novice Master Amateur division heading into the final phase. Penny, whose big return to eventing after some 40 years she recounted in yesterday’s dressage recap, got cheers all the way around, and it didn’t hurt that she was riding something of a celebrity! Mr. Poppers, Stuart Brown’s now 13-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding, is much beloved by those who’ve followed his career — and today he was followed, literally, by his “people” including Buck and Andrea Davidson who were spotted chasing them around the course to watch.

Penny Welsch and Mr. Poppers. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The top three in the division are still holding strong following cross country. Renee Senter, of Overland Park, Kan., remains in second position with Regina, a 14-year-old Holsteiner (Regulus x Nellina).

Renee Senter and Regina. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Just behind is Amy Winnen, of Rochester, N.Y., and Galatea HU, a 15-year-old Rheinland Pfalz-Saar (Galant Du Serein x Rohmanie), on a score of 27.8.

A few notes:

  • A big congrats to Michelle Cameron Donaldson and her big red draft cross named Danny Boy. Michelle, who came to Kentucky from WAY out in Area VII, just started riding at age 44 and through some trial and error found her match in “Daniel.” She shared their story on EN a couple years ago — it’s just the sweetest. The pair is tied for 5th after cross country and looked awesome out there today. At age 20, Daniel is something of a Master, too!
  • Speaking of drafts, fun fact that there are actually two Percherons and one Belgian in the division. The most represented breed is the Thoroughbred, which makes up a little less than a third of the field, followed by Irish Sport Horses. In addition, there’s a good mix of warmbloods, an Appaloosa Sport Horse, a couple paints, two Canadian Sport Horses and one Canadian Warmblood, a couple Connemaras, three Quarter Horses, and — this is cool — a Friesian.
  • Twenty-nine horses in the 51-horse field crossed the finish line double clear; another 10 completed with time penalties only. Some trouble spots included fence #3, “The Bannister,” an imposing effort early on the course that produced a few stops; fence #11, “Ditch Surprise,” because obviously; fence #12, “Fiesta!,” the legendary multi-colored painted table that has been terrorizing Beginner Novice horses at KHP for years; and fence #13, “Open Oxer,” which jumped well for most but did tag a couple horses with a late-on-course 20.

The nail-biting final phase happens in Rolex Arena tomorrow. To all the Beginner Novice Master Amateur competitors, enjoy the moment and appreciate your journey to get here — at the end of the day, you’re all winners.

A few more pics from the division!

Lucy Patsko and InANewYorkMinute. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Stephen Fulton and DB Cooper. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Molly Adams and Caletto’s Symphony. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Debbie Knuth and Honky Tonk. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jennifer Williams Southworth & Stand Up Stand Out. Photo by Shelby Allen.

BN Master Amateur Top 10 After Cross Country:

#AEC2021: Website, Schedule, Stabling, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Program, Live Stream, Course Maps, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

‘It’s Been Almost 40 Years Since I Evented’: Penny Welsh & Mr. Poppers Lead AEC BN Master Amateur Dressage

By on Sep 4, 2021 9:45 am -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. We want to share the joy of eventing this week, so we invite you to nominate an AEC rider for our “Kentucky Performance of the Week” contest, happening now in partnership with Kentucky Performance Products. Learn more here.

Penny Welsch and Mr. Poppers. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Do you know what I like about the American Eventing Championships? What puts a tiny joyful tear in my eye and a happy little spring in my step? It’s not the sight of Olympians dousing another another in champagne on a podium — a waste of good bubbles, IMO. It’s not someone posing with a giant cardboard check worth more than my annual salary, or the professionals for whom the AEC is just another day at the office.

What sets my heart aloft are the stories, the REAL stories, of the AEC adult amateurs and junior riders that make up the heart and soul of our sport. Like that of our AEC Beginner Novice Master Amateur division dressage leaders, Penny Welsch and Mr. Poppers, who lead the massive 51-horse field on a score of 25.1.

Penny, of Ocala, FL, says, “It’s been almost 40 years since I evented. I never thought I’d ever step foot on this ground with a horse. You know, I just evented as a teenager, you know, and not big time then either. It was the small stuff up in New Jersey. So this is a dream come true.”

Penny Welsh and Mr. Poppers. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Hey, I know Penny! And I bet a bunch of you reading this do, too. Her vendor, I Love My Horse Eventing & Dressage Boutique, is a staple at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and many Area 3 events and has been a much-valued supporter of EN. She sells a hand-picked selection of breeches, show attire and outerwear plus tack, stable supplies and gifts. The boutique is at the AEC this week, so please go visit it or shop its website here.

I bet you know Mr. Poppins, too. After a tragic riding accident that claimed his owner Christine Brown’s life in 2013, her husband Stuart had to make decisions on what to do with Christine’s horses, namely Mr. Poppers, a now 13-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding. “Stuart asked if I’d be willing to take ‘Sam’ into my barn,” Buck Davidson told EN a few years back. “I was honored that a man of his stature would have one of his horses in my barn, and we took Sam in and began working with him.” Buck’s wife Andrea competed Sam through Training, winning many events and finishing 10th at the last AEC in 2019.

Penny, a student of Andrea’s, began leasing Sam from Stuart in February. Within three events, they had qualified for the AEC  having earned one red and two yellow ribbons.

“Sam’s pretty famous,” she says. “People know Sam. When I’m walking around the Park, you know, between having this store and having Mr. Poppers, people are always talking to me.”

Renee Senter, Overland Park, Kan., is the second-placed rider aboard Regina, the 14-year-old Holsteiner (Regulus x Nellina), on a score of 27.

Renee Senter and Regina. Photo by Tanner Messer for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Renee Senter and Regina. Photo by Tanner Messer for Shannon Brinkman Photography. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Just behind on 27.8 is Amy Winnen, Rochester, N.Y., and Galatea HU, a 15-year-old Rheinland Pfalz-Saar (Galant Du Serein x Rohmanie), on a score of 27.8.

Amy Winnen and Galatea HU. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Beginner Novice cross country begins on Saturday at 8 a.m. Best of luck and HAVE FUN to all!

#AEC2021: Website, Schedule, Stabling, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Program, Live Stream, Course Maps, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Friday Video from SmartPak: Friesians! Friesians! Friesians!

By on Sep 3, 2021 9:00 pm -

We are a 24/7 all-request show here at EN and recently got a tip about a viral YouTube channel called Friesian Horses that features near-daily videos from a breeding farm in Friesland, The Netherlands, from which the Friesian horse breed originated. There are lots and lots of baby Friesian videos, as it is a breeding facility, as well as deep dives into the lives of individual horses at the farm.

The channel’s most viewed video (7.5+ million views) follows the story of a mare, Queen👑Unie, who gives birth to a stillborn then takes on an orphan foal. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming, all bundled into one 12-minute stretch.

Friesians are astonishingly versatile animals, and they’ve made their way into the sporthorse (and even pop culture) world in a big way these past few years. Check out this video of a Grand Prix dressage Friesian!

A few special Friesians have even been spotted out eventing. Are you the proud rider of one? Let us know by posting a pic in the Facebook comments!

By the Numbers: AEC Beginner Novice Master Amateur

By on Sep 3, 2021 11:00 am -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. We want to share the joy of eventing this week, so we invite you to nominate an AEC rider for our “Kentucky Performance of the Week” contest, happening now in partnership with Kentucky Performance Products. Learn more here.

Historically, it has been a time-honored EN AEC tradition to ignore the Adequan® USEA Advanced Final, worth however many tens of thousands of dollars, completely to focus attention on that cutthroat showdown between dreamy-eyed horse girls riding ponies with names like “In My Feelings” and “Bacon Bits”: Jr. Beginner Novice 14 & Under.

This year, however, on the eve of my 40th birthday, working two jobs, and with a toddler in tow for whom my greatest hope is that he takes up literally any sport other than eventing (because, you can quote me on this, kid, “it will ruin your life”) I’m turning my attention to a different division: Beginner Novice Master Amateur. This 40 & up hobbyist crowd is the real deal, juggling jobs and families while somehow carving a space within it all for riding a horse on the regular. Every last one of the ammy-adult riders who qualified and are competing at the 2021 AEC this year is an inspiration to me, just for showing up. No matter where you end up on the scoreboard, I hope you know you are already a champion.

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, all 51 combinations in the USEA Beginner Novice Master Amateur Championship are now officially under my intense scrutiny, and we’re starting with background checks. One of the biggest perks of being a USEA member is that you can stalk whomever you want to, and I’ve been up since 1:30 a.m. (it is now 11 a.m now) doing exactly that.

Maggie Deatrick usually crunches EN’s “By the Numbers” statistics, using some extensive FEI results database spreadsheet number-y thing she created herself — I made the mistake of clicking into it once, and for an English major who has fallen on her head a bunch of times and can barely remember her own phone number on a good day, it was vaguely traumatizing. Thus, allow me to preface that this edition of “By the Numbers” is by no means sophisticated or based in science, and there’s a good chance I will be dead wrong on all accounts. But, without further adieu or apology, and with the division already well underway, here are my predictions for the 2021 Beginner Novice Master Amateur field!

He dances in a couple of days! Ready or bust!

Posted by Erica N Eric Stokes on Wednesday, September 1, 2021

DReSsAGe DiVAs

Listen, first thing you should know: Mad respect to all of you who keep your horse inside the rectangle and remember your test today. Beginner Novice dressage tests to me are just a blurry haze of 20-meter circles and I will go off course if slighted even a quarter dosage of my usual morning coffee.

Having said that, to be honest looking at your records some of you seem to be better at dressage than others, and again I say that absolutely without judgement because I am humbly in the latter camp. I’ll tell you who you are, and dare the rest of you to prove me wrong out of sheer spite. The top 12 best dressage scores you tutu-worthy sand-dancing ballerinas have ever posted:

  1. Erica Stokes & Milky Way: 20.5 at their last outing, Champagne Run
  2. Penny Welsch & Mr. Poppers: 21.8
  3. Kerri Sweet & Shake The Glitter Off: 22.2  21.9. I’m actually shaving 0.3 of this pair’s PR off because I think the horse’s name, which in my mind is a reference to a Katy Perry song about a Vegas night gone sideways, is a bold choice for we women of the menopausal-ish age, and I’m for it.
  4. Stephen Fulton & DB Cooper: 22.8
  5. Lucy Patsko & InANewYorkMinute:  23.1
  6. Judi Dietz & Rearcross Clover Q: 23.5
  7. Mary Bancroft & Twain: 23.8
  8. Holly Breaux & Wapz Hot Dan: 23.9. Fun fact, they’ve won three out of their last four starts and it’s an Appy — classic Holly stylze!
  9. Stephanie O’Neal & MochaSpice: 24.5,
  10. Scott Keating & Ard Daulton: 24.8
  11. Eden Dedrick & Excel Star High Hopes: 25 at their last outing
  12. Tiffany Stewart & Crimson Clover: 25.5

Settled in at the KHP with Kate and Alistair 💗🥰

Posted by Susan Edwards Fogarty on Wednesday, September 1, 2021

cRoSS cOuNTrY mAcHiNeS

Oh boy, here’s a fun fact to bring you down off that high of scoring a 15.5 or make you feel better after scoring a 55 in dressage: Not a single one of you has a completely ding-free cross country record, so phase two could be a pivotal one here!

Several of you do possess, however, a cross country record that is jump fault free, with just a few time penalties here and there. Let’s give ’em a shout-out:

  • Sandra Barclay & Bruiser
  • Dayna Blumel & Cabo Wabo
  • Lisa Boncosky & Tensas Carlos
  • Michele Buford & Believer
  • Jessica Copland & Walk the Line
  • Debra Davis & Nunlikem
  • Excel Star High Hopes/Eden Dedrick
  • Susan Fogarty & Truly
  • Meredith Hunter & Classic Imp
  • Brenda Hutton & WYO Dun Maid
  • Susan Onorato & Flight Risk,
  • Lucy Patsko & Lucy Patsko
  • Renee Senter & Regina
  • Karen Trout & Sashay Lu

The Full Moon Farm crew (which is actually 8 strong!) out on a hack at the Kentucky Horse Park. Photo via the Full Moon Farm FB page.

sHoW JuMpINg PoWerHoUSeS

I think it’s human nature to let your guard down when you’re winning or prematurely admit defeat when you’re not. I’m here to tell you (and hopefully not psyche you out) that Sunday, September 5 in the year of our lord 2021, is going to be a pivotal one for the USEA Beginner Novice Master Amateur Championship.

Look around you in the warm-up. Know that not one horse you see has never had a rail in USEA competition. Let that sink in. You’re a player. This is your moment. It’s not over until it’s over. Time to step up to the plate.

I do want to give a shout out here to Stephen Fulton of Full Moon Farm and his ride DB Cooper, the only combination competing who have never had a rail together, probably because DB Cooper used up all of his life’s allowance of rails in his former life as an upper level horse. No disrespect, Advanced level fences are very large, but at one of his last events at the level he accrued 32 jumping faults — that’s eight (8!) ever-lovin’ rails. Since he’s been with Stephen at a lower level, though, they’ve had a clean slate, which is either a testament to Stephen’s riding or to finding a comfier place in the eventing world for this horse — and most likely, a combination of both. Thanks to Stephen and Karen for all they do for our sport. It’s awesome to see you out enjoying it, as you so deserve.

Best of luck and all my respect to these competitors and their horses! We’ll be back later today with a dressage report as well as live cross country updates and a show jumping grand finale!

#AEC2021: Website, Schedule, Stabling, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Program, Live Stream, Course Maps, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Thursday Shannon Brinkman AEC Photo Gallery: #AECgoals

By on Sep 3, 2021 9:30 am -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. We want to share the joy of eventing this week, so we invite you to nominate an AEC rider for our “Kentucky Performance of the Week” contest, happening now in partnership with Kentucky Performance Products. Learn more here.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Please shout-out who this rider is in the comments, because between her Kentucky Horse Park-Bruce Davidson-Head of the Lake statue imitation, the joy on her face, and her mad purple cross country game, she is just nailing it on all the levels.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Mind the duck! Now here’s someone I can actually ID, because I met him and he talked my ear off at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event a couple years ago. When a gentleman with a duck on his head talks your ear off, it’s a treat you won’t soon forget. Spencer Millard, crossing guard extraordinaire, has been volunteering at the Kentucky Horse Park since 1999 — truly, he is a national treasure.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

This horse seems to be missing something, but I can’t put my finger on what it is. He looks pretty happy, honestly.

Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Ooh this pair, leading up the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final. Go get that paper, Fylicia!

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

I feel like water landing photos are so underrated. The splash! The drama! The tail flip!

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lord help us all when the Shannon Brinkman crew starts getting artsy and shooting in B&W — so gorgeous. Be sure to support her and her hard(!)-working team by purchasing your photos at the event or via her website here.

A few more photos from the day:

#AEC2021: Website, Schedule, Stabling, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Program, Live Stream, Course Maps, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagra30

Thursday Video: The First Helmet Cams of #AEC2021 Are In!

By on Sep 2, 2021 5:00 pm -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. We want to share the joy of eventing this week, so we invite you to nominate an AEC rider for our “Kentucky Performance of the Week” contest, happening now in partnership with Kentucky Performance Products. Learn more here.

The first helmet cams of #AEC2021 are in! And, naturally, they are courtesy of none other than Elisa Wallace. Elisa finished 12th in the Intermediate Championship with Steve Sukup’s Riot Gear, 25th with Rick Wallace’s Munson Slew, and 27th with Susan Day’s Sharp Decision. All three horses turned in clear cross country rounds with a bit of time.

Bright blue skies and that signature green-green bluegrass … what a beautiful day at the Kentucky Horse Park!

The AEC action continues on Friday through the weekend. Best of luck to all!

#AEC2021: Website, Schedule, Stabling, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Program, Live Stream, Course Maps, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Volunteer Nation: Still a Few Spots to Fill at the AEC + Equestrians Institute H.T.

By on Sep 2, 2021 11:00 am -

The 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds are underway, and a few good volunteers are still needed. If you are competing and have got some time to spare, go sign yourself up for a shift here!

2021 USEA American Eventing Championships (August 21st, 2021 to September 5th, 2021)

  • XC decorator
  • XC crossing guard
  • XC jump judge
  • XC score runner
  • SJ scribe
  • SJ crossing guard
  • Awards committee
  • Event takedown

Not only is volunteering just the right thing to do, there is swag! Every AEC volunteer will receive a goodie bag which will include exclusive AEC volunteer apparel.  Do you only have time to volunteer for a morning or afternoon? AM and PM slots are available, making it easy and flexible for all AEC competitors to volunteer. Check out the AEC competition schedule here.

Equestrians Institute Horse Trials September 2021 (August 29th, 2021 to September 5th, 2021)

Equestrians Institute H.T. in Cle Elum, Washington, is also still looking for a handful of volunteers:

  • Dressage warm-up
  • Dressage score runner
  • Dressage scribe
  • Event prep
  • Event takedown
  • Hospitality helper
  • Floater
  • XC crossing guard
  • XC finish timer
  • XC jump judge
  • XC warm-up
  • Stabling check-in and trailer parking
  • SJ in-gate
  • SJ jump crew
  • SJ warmup

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Whether you or not you are able to lend a hand, be sure to thank every volunteer you meet this weekend! We couldn’t go it without ’em.

View or Download Your #AEC2021 Cross Country Course Map Here!

By on Sep 1, 2021 9:00 am -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. We want to share the joy of eventing this week, so we invite you to nominate an AEC rider for our “Kentucky Performance of the Week” contest, happening now in partnership with Kentucky Performance Products. Learn more here.

It’s just Wednesday but cross country for some levels is already underway at the 2021 American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena. The Intermediate and Preliminary divisions, which kicked off this six-day event-of-epic-proportions with their dressage tests on Tuesday, will take on cross country today on the Kentucky Horse Park’s hallowed grounds. Advanced, Modified and Training go cross country on Thursday and Novice takes to the bluegrass on Friday, followed by a full day of Beginner Novice cross country on Saturday.

Prelim through Advanced divisions have their warmup and start box on the far left side of the course, if you’re looking out at it from stabling, with courses that run from there through the infield and across Mark’s Lane then loop back into the infield. Beginner Novice through Modified divisions begin to the right of the infield and head past the polo fields before making a pass through the Head of the Lake and finishing up Mark’s Lane from Rolex Stadium.

All courses are designed by Derek di Grazia and built by a team headed up by Mick Costello and Tobiah Bingham, including Dave Leonard, James Rauch, Tyson Rementer, Levi Ryckewaert and Graham Schick. Sheila Woerth and Rachel Henson are responsible for the beautiful course decor. It’s always a joy to tackle cross country on the Park’s flowing, gently rolling terrain and the ground should drain well from Tuesday’s rain. The forecast is only looking up from here, with a chance of showers today followed by sunny to partly cloudy forecasts for the remainder of the week — accompanied by highs in the upper 70s, a real treat considering the relentless heat we’ve been enduring this August!

A big thanks to Park Equine Kentucky Classique, Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Keeneland Pony Club and the Midsouth Pony Club Region and Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge for allowing the AEC to use some of their jumps.

Optimum times:

  • 5 minutes 35 seconds for Beginner Novice
  • 5 minutes 8 seconds for Novice
  • 5 minutes 31 seconds for Training
  • 5 minutes 35 seconds Modified
  • 5 minutes 39 seconds Prelim
  • 6 min 27 second Intermediate
  • 6 minutes 24 seconds for Advanced

CrossCountry App has kindly consolidated all seven courses into a dedicated event page. If you’ve got the app you can download your course, or view it here!

Tuesday #AEC2021 Instagram Roundup: A Soggy Start

By on Aug 31, 2021 9:00 pm -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. We want to share the joy of eventing this week, so we invite you to nominate an AEC rider for our “Kentucky Performance of the Week” contest, happening now in partnership with Kentucky Performance Products. Learn more here.

When it rains it pours, but hurricane vibes couldn’t dampen your spirit on day one of the 2021 American Eventing Championships! Here are a few soggy yet cheerful Instagram snaps from today at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Intermediate and Preliminary divisions kicked us off with their dressage tests today and will take on the cross country test tomorrow, while the Advanced, Modified and Training divisions will begin their competition tomorrow. The Novice and Beginner Novice championships will begin on Thursday. Best of luck to all!

#AEC2021: Website, Schedule, Stabling, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Program, EN’s Coverage

Tuesday Video: Shepherd Ranch BN & Novice Winners

By on Aug 31, 2021 5:00 pm -

Thank heart Ride On Video for bringing us all the West Coast eventing action! Today they began posting rider videos from Shepherd Ranch H.T., which took place over the weekend in Santa Ynez, California.

Here are three of winners from the Novice Rider, Open Novice and Open Beginner Novice divisions. You can view complete results here!

Julia Wood and Absolute CCSH won Novice Rider on a score of 36.6.

Madeline Sexton and Arya Stark won Open Novice on a score of (29.5).

Pam Fisher and Sea Lioness won Open Beginner Novice on a score of 26.5.

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!

New Saulieu International in France Sets Example of Community Involvement

By on Aug 27, 2021 11:00 am -

Many stateside horse trials have recognized the value of involving the whole community. After all, having horses in our life is a gift, and it’s beneficial to everyone when we are able to share that gift. The Event at Rebecca Farm in Montana and Red Hills Horse Trials in Florida are two shining examples of events that are getting community involvement right.

It’s worthwhile to look around the globe for examples of events that are committing not just to serving the equestrian community, but to involving the community at large. A new event taking place this week in France, Saulieu International Horse Trials, is doing just that, offering the general public the opportunity to be involved in a high-level and friendly sporting competition.

The Société de Concours Hippique de Saulieu, chaired by Didier Loison, a sheep breeder, went on to organize the event after France Complet certified the site as a “Best Regional Hope” in 2018. Located on 30-hectares in the heart of Burgundy and the Morvan Regional
Natural Park, it is this week hosting its first international one- and two-star competition.

Many activities parallel to the event are planned: an exhibitors’ village, catering by local producers (and — just to reiterate — this is in Burgundy!), a pop rock concert, herding dog demonstrations, handling maneuverability exhibitions, etc. And admission is free.

Eighty competitors will represent six nations: France, Tunisia, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain and Italy. A few big French names suit are making the trip to Saulieu, including Maxime Livio, ambassador of the competition and Team Bronze Medalist at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon in 2018, as well as Thibaut Fournier, winner of the CCI5 * in Pau in 2018. Maxime is currently first and second after Friday dressage in the two-star with his horses Waitangi Amazon and Enjoy de Keroue.

Two Swiss riders are fresh back from the Tokyo Olympics, Eveline Bodenmüller and Mélodye Johner, who finished 17th individually. Mélodye leads the one-star dressage with Qador d’Aubrie Z.

The owner of the winning horse in each class will be rewarded by one of the partners of the event, very emblematic of the region and Saulieu, with a meal for two at the high gastronomic French restaurant Relais Bernard Loiseau. The best three French amateur riders in each class will be given a prize by the saddler Devoucoux.

We wish this event the best of luck in its inaugural running. Live results will be available here. View more information at the website here.

Thursday Video: Piggy March’s Latest Vlog ‘The Last Month’

By on Aug 26, 2021 1:00 pm -

Piggy March is a busy, busy lady and the calmness and clarity with which she walks us through the hills and valleys of the last month of her life is inspirational. She reflects on Team Great Britain’s sparkling result at the Tokyo Olympics, scratches her chin at the unfortunate byproducts of broken frangibles, catches us up on her horses and their events, and looks ahead to the Chedington Bicton Park 5* Horse Trials, which she’ll be contesting with Vanir Kamira.

We’ll be cheering you on as always, Piggy!

Volunteer Nation: 10 Events That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Aug 26, 2021 11:00 am -

Got plans this weekend? Here’s a great idea: volunteer! There are plenty of opportunities to do so this week and beyond at events from coast to coast.

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

USEA Events

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II (August 27th, 2021 to August 29th, 2021)

Seneca Valley Pony Club Fall Horse Trials 2021 (August 28th, 2021 to August 29th, 2021)

Town Hill Farm Horse Trials (August 29th, 2021)

Five Points Horse Trial (August 25th, 2021 to August 30th, 2021)

2021 USEA American Eventing Championships (August 21st, 2021 to September 5th, 2021)

Equestrians Institute Horse Trials September 2021 (August 29th, 2021 to September 5th, 2021)

Other Events

Twilight Eventing (August 25th, 2021)

Fair Hill International – August Starter Horse Trials [El.,Int.,Beg.N.,Nov] (August 24th, 2021 to August 28th, 2021)

August POP (August 29th, 2021)

Cross Country Schooling (August 10th, 2021 to August 31st, 2021)

H&C Partners With Elite Eventing TV to Provide Chedington Bicton Park 5* Live Stream

By on Aug 26, 2021 9:00 am -

Nicola Wilson won Bicton’s inaugural CCI4*-L in June 2021. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

The UK’s only five-star eventing competition in 2021, the first to take place in two years, will be the Chedington Bicton Park 5* Horse Trials at Budleigh Salterton, Devon — and it’s fast approaching on Sept. 2-5. The much anticipated one-off fixture is open to spectators (you can book tickets at the website here) but for those following from a distance, we’re glad to hear that there will be a live stream.

All the action will be available to watch live via a dedicated Elite Eventing channel on Horse & Country’s streaming service, H&C+. The trot up and first two days of dressage are free to view. The cross country, Sunday trot up and show jumping phases can be watched with a Weekend Pass, available for £25, or £20 for H&C+ members. All Weekend Pass holders will be able to watch all of the content on-demand for 90 days following the event. For more information visit www.horseandcountry.tv.

Elite Eventing TV is a new concept designed by the team behind the Event Rider Masters series that serves fans while producing financial investment in the sport. Using a Pay Per View (PPV) live streaming model, revenues from the sale of Live Stream PPV passes will be reinvested back into the sport via the ‘Elite Eventing Premium,’ a brand-new additional prize money fund to be distributed between the Top 10 placed Bicton 5* competitors. For more information visit www.eliteeventing.tv.

Chris Stone, who owns Elite Eventing and has teamed up with H&C to enable the live-streaming of the event, added, “Elite Eventing has been created to make a direct link between the top riders and horses in this amazing sport, and the fans who appreciate the skill, bravery and passion they demonstrate. We try to give the fans great value for money with top quality presentation of our sport, and in turn we invest the money they spend back into the sport. We are thrilled to trial this model at Bicton and hope to expand it in the future.”

H&C CEO Heather Killen commented, “We’re delighted to be working alongside the teams at Bicton and Elite Eventing to bring this special event to the widest possible audience. With H&C+ we’ve been able to show more live eventing than has ever previously been possible and this, combined with our eventing focused masterclasses, rider profiles, documentaries and other programming, speaks to our commitment to this vibrant and passionate community.”

Bicton Arena Manager, Andrew Fell said, “We are extremely grateful to both Chedington and Elite Eventing for enabling us to put on a competition at five-star level for those riders, owners, and supporters who have endured the disappointment of not having an event of this level in the UK since 2019.”

#EventerProblems Vol. 274 from Ecovet: The Lost and Found

By on Aug 25, 2021 6:07 am -

Lost shoes, lost fly masks, lost bell boots … it’s enough to make an eventer lose their mind. Here are a few things your horses lost, and were later discovered, this summer.

Remember to tag ’em on Instagram for inclusion in a future edition of #EventerProblems!

Go Eventing.

Looking for a proper #EventerSolution? Look no further than Ecovet!